A bill to restrict the ability of urban incomers to take court action over “a little nuisance” has now cleared both houses of the French parliament, The Times reports.

The law was proposed following a series of high-profile court cases, including complaints about the smell of dung and hay or the quacking of ducks.

Pierre Morel-à-l’Huissier said his bill would “protect the sensory heritage” of the countryside.